Search Intensified for Eight Fishermen Missing Off Andhra Coast

The search for eight fishermen missing off the Andhra Pradesh coast has been intensified, with Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu directing officials to explore every possible means to locate them and ensure their safe return.

The fishermen, from Odelarevu, Dummalapeta and Vasalathippa villages in Dr BR Ambedkar Konaseema district, had ventured into the sea from the Odelarevu Fish Landing Centre around 10 am on August 3. Their families lost contact with them about an hour later.

The fishing boat was expected to return on August 12 but failed to arrive. Following the delay, authorities launched search operations and have since been coordinating efforts involving the Indian Coast Guard, Fisheries Department and Konaseema district administration.

Officials said the missing boat was fitted with a VHF radio set, while the fishermen were also carrying mobile phones. Based on available information, authorities believe the crew may have reached their fishing grounds around 6 pm on August 3.

The Coast Guard has alerted patrol vessels operating in the area and expanded the information network by contacting fishing boats operating from Kakinada, Bhairavapalem, Visakhapatnam and Paradip. Other fishermen have been asked to immediately report any information that could help establish the whereabouts of the missing crew.

During a review meeting, Naidu instructed officials to maintain a coordinated search operation until the boat and fishermen are traced. He also stressed the importance of maintaining regular contact with the families and providing them with timely updates on the search.

The Chief Minister assured the families that the state government would extend all possible support during the crisis.

Meanwhile, YSR Congress Party president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy also called for an intensified search to locate the missing fishermen. He urged the government to involve the Coast Guard, Navy, Fisheries Department and district authorities in the operation.

Jagan also called for the full use of available maritime technology and communication systems to track the fishermen. Expressing hope that all eight would return safely, he urged the government to stand firmly by their families until the search operation reaches a conclusion.